Ahead of the summer bank holiday getaway, new research from ABTA – The Travel Association, reveals that many UK holidaymakers are battling ‘tipping torment” when travelling abroad, unsure of what’s expected when it comes to gratuities.

When asked “How confident, if at all, do you feel about tipping when travelling abroad?”, only 7% of UK adults said they feel very confident and always know what’s expected. Meanwhile, almost half (46%) say they are not confident.

While the popularity of long-haul travel continues to grow, the research shows that uncertainty about tipping customs is highest in some of these destinations:

·       United Arab Emirates: 64% of Brits2 are unsure about tipping here, where gratuities of 10-15% are generally expected in restaurants, taxis and hotels.

·       Japan: 57% are unsure, and with good reason – tipping is not customary and can even be considered impolite.

·       USA: 40% are unsure about tipping in the States, where 15-20% is typically expected in restaurants and other service settings.

·       There is even uncertainty on tipping customs within Europe, home to many of the UK’s favourite overseas destinations. Around four in ten UK adults are unsure about what’s expected in Germany (41%), Greece (40%), and Portugal (40%), with similar figures for Spain (37%), France (37%), and Italy (38%).

·       While practices differ in Europe, there are some general patterns:

·       In Germany, Portugal, Spain, and Italy, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory, rounding up or leaving 5-10% in restaurants is typical.

·       In Greece, tipping tends to be more generous, with 10-15% often expected.

·       In France, a service charge is usually included, but it’s still polite to leave small change or round up for good service.

Graeme Buck, Director of Communications at ABTA, said: “Tipping practices vary widely around the world, so it’s no surprise many holidaymakers feel unsure. In some countries, like the USA, tipping is essential, while in others, like Japan, it’s not expected at all. A little preparation before you travel can help you feel more confident and avoid awkward situations – whether that’s checking with your travel agent, asking your hotel, or simply carrying a small amount of local currency for tips.”

ABTA’s top tips for tipping abroad:

·       Research before you go – look up local customs for your destination, including whether tipping is expected and typical amounts.

·       Check your bill – in some countries, a service charge may already be included.

·       Carry some cash in local currency – useful for tips in cash-based cultures, or for services like taxis.

·       When in doubt, ask – travel agents, hotel staff or tour guides can advise on what’s appropriate locally.